A Hunter's Pride

Ten

I woke to the steady beeps of a heart monitor and the light breathing of someone nearby. I opened my eyes and I found myself in a hospital room. My armor was hanging on a rack near the door and Alessia lay asleep, her head on the side of my bed. The door slid open and an exo peeked in. "Hey champ, you're finally awake." he said walking over to me and checking the heart monitors. "You've been out for a week. We don't know what happened. Maybe you can help us find out?" He sat beside me and I noticed he wore the armor of a titan. He wasn't a doctor at all.

"By the way, I'm X. I was part of the team that pulled you out of there. You were in pretty bad shape." He sighed. "How're you feeling?"

"I feel fine. Was I really out for a week?"
"Yeah."
"What'd I miss?"
"Your warlock, Ryan vask, found what we believe a map of the Hellmouth. It goes deeper than we thought. To the core of the moon."

I took a deep breath, processing the information. "So we were close?"

"Yeah buddy, you were close" He laughed and I layed back breathing in a deep breath. "She's been here the whole time. I couldn't even pull her out. She really cares about you." He nodded towards Alessia, still asleep beside me, most likely exhausted.
"We were attacked by a platoon of Hive when we got there. If it wasn't for her, you'd still be down there. She risked her life to save you. She's definitely a keeper." His eyes flashed happily and I shared the expression.

"Yeah she is." I toyed with the silver and onyx band on my ring finger and smiled. "Our anniversary is in a few days isn't it. The fourth of June."

"I suppose it is. Whenever you're ready, your team is dying to see their leader." He got up and I shook his hand. "Thank you X."
He nodded and left the room.

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"It's alive!" Ryan did his best Victor Frankenstein impression and I laughed impressed. "Yeah doc, I'm alive."

"And well, " Alessia added cheerfully.

"All thanks to you" I winked at her and Ryan rolled his eyes. "keep it in the bedroom you two."
We all laughed. It felt good to be back." Holiday will be happy, her best customer isn't dead!" He jeered and I grinned.

"So, in all seriousness, we found a map of the Hellmouth. It extends into the Moon's core. There's a massive complex beneath. Almost like a castle. Cayde is thinking of sending a scout team down."

"You mean thinking of sending us down? We're probably the only team willing to. " I laughed and Ryan shook his head.
"No, Kaine and his squad volunteered . Cayde says hed send both teams. We'd need the firepower if shit hit the fan."

"Fair enough. Don't expect me to be nice to him though". I stuck my hands in my pocket leaning against the doorway.
"When do we go?"

"Two weeks from now. Until then I have a mission to attend to in the Reef. Petra needs some help with some weird cultists. Havoc has a security job downtown protecting the Speaker at a rally." Ryan took a bite of his apple.

"Yeah, and I have a scouting job on Venus." Alessia shrugged in apology.

"Ah. So I'm a loner this time, sounds alright to me. I can get some target practice in." I raised my hand, The Last Word materializing in my hand. I spun it a few times and slid it into its home on my right leg. Doing the same with the Ace Of Spades on my left. "I'll see you guys in two weeks. Then." I walked off and Alessia followed me out. "I'll be back as soon as possible. Be safe, don't strain yourself okay? I'll keep in contact". She kissed me softly.

"I know, I'll be careful. You watch your back on Venus. The Vex are tricky." I kissed her back and she agreed. "I'll see you in a few weeks." I squeezed her hand and she vanished into thin air, spawning into her ship.

I was left alone in the courtyard leaning over the railing and looking out over the city wondering where Havoc might be.